Idaho State University tells JFAC it will return disputed forensic-lab funds, outlines budget and accountability changes

Idaho State University President Rob Wagner told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 that ISU will return remaining funds tied to a previously planned Eastern Idaho Forensic Pathology Center and pledged stronger internal controls to ensure legislative intent is followed.

Wagner told the committee the university became aware of issues around the project in late 2023 and that ISU had spent a small amount on a consultant before, following a memorandum of understanding, transferring remaining funds to the county that planned to operate the facility. "I believe Idaho State University should have kept those funds," Wagner said, adding the university will improve how it identifies ownership and accountability for legislative funds.

The committee co-chair announced an audit has been requested and is now in process; a staff report prepared by Legislative Services Office analyst Kevin Campbell is available online. Campbell, presenting ISU's FY2026 budget request, said the analyst staff is "tracking down" a technical error in the tuition and fees beginning-balance data…